His efforts did not go unrewarded. Jennings received Season 24’s first 10s and a grand total of 39 points out of 40 for his dance. (That was the highest score of the night and the season thus far.) His dance culminated in a tender embrace with his wheelchair bound father, who lost a leg due to the combination of a debilitating stroke and diabetes (brought on by alcoholism) that left the judges somber during their critiques.
“That was a good feeling, because the story truly is an inspiration,” Jennings told me about leaving the judges speechless. “I’m humbled that I’m in this position. I want to inspire other families and people to go there, feel that and not take life for granted. Love [your] family wherever they are, no matter what the turmoil [is] with people that might make you feel a certain way that you know you love.
“You can love, even when you’re angry,” Jennings continued. “People forget that.” He hopes his performance will enlighten others as to how they treat others. “Knowing that that may happen is kind of humbling,” he said. “Especially to come from a little country kid from Forest, Virginia; I’m so humbled to be on DWTS and to be able to perform and have this great partner help me through this whole process.”